Vol.21 Chapter 182 – Assemble!!

While running Tsunade’s errands, Izumo and Kotetsu find Sakura unconscious. They wake her up and she tells them about Sasuke’s defection. They immediately inform Tsunade. Surprised that Orochimaru is starting to act so quickly, Tsunade summons Shikamaru to her house and tells him what happened. Since the village is understaffed after the Destruction of KonohaOrochimaru, Shikamaru and a team of genii of his choosing are all that can be allocated for the mission to bring Sasuke back. Tsunade recommends Naruto, and Shikamaru insists on taking Chouji with him. Naruto suggests taking Shino instead of Chouji, but Kiba informs them that Shino has gone on a mission with his father and volunteers to go on the mission. Lee overhears their conversation and recommends Neji. Lee himself waits for the operation.